The Chargers cleared nearly $4 million in cap space this month from restructuring three contracts.

Outside linebacker Dwight Freeney is the latest, accepting a pay cut from $3.5 million to $2.5 million. The deal added more than $900,000 in cap space.

Freeney, 34, was previously set to receive a $500,000 roster bonus this season, earned in increments for each game he is active. That new bonus is $375,000, of which $93,750 affects the current cap. Also, his base salary dropped from $2.5 million to $1.625 million.

The two reductions equate to $1 million in cash savings and $906,250 in increased cap room. His 2014 cap number moved from $4.75 million to $3,843,750.

Freeney collected a $500,000 renegotiation bonus. He was due to make a $500,000 roster bonus Saturday under the original two-year contract he signed last May.

This deal was the Chargers' latest of the sort.

Earlier this month, they created $1 million and $2 million in 2014 cap space, respectively, by restructuring wide receiver Eddie Royal and outside linebacker Jarret Johnson. Freeney and Royal are each entering the final season of a multi-year deal. Because no additional years were added, neither transaction has an affect on the 2015 cap.

Johnson's will. He is entering the third season of a four-year pact.

The 32-year-old is scheduled to cost an additional $1 million in the 2015 league year, as his restructure converted $2 million of his base salary into a signing bonus. Signing bonuses are prorated over a contract's length. In this instance, $1 million was moved to 2015.

How much cap space the Chargers currently have is a moving target, its exact figure to date not confirmed. But they had enough space to make wide receiver Steve Smith an offer in free agency and also were linked to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. While the team could not afford to entertain something radical, like pursuing cornerback Darrelle Revis, it is believed the salary cap won't be too large a hindrance moving forward while the 53-man roster is constructed.

This week, the Chargers pursued nose tackle Earl Mitchell. Sources said Mitchell chose the Dolphins because he preferred a 4-3 defense. He passed on San Diego not for any substance its contract offer lacked.

For all these restructures, one discussed has yet to take place.

Right guard Jeromey Clary owns the fourth-highest cap number on the team — $4.55 million base salary, $6.25 million cap hit. He is entering the final season of a four-year contract. Some action could still come on this front, a source said this week, although whether anything is imminent is unclear.

At age 33, Freeney proved he can still be effective.

At 34, he must rebound from a major injury.

Freeney totaled 15 quarterback hurries in only four games in 2013. The pass-rush stat is more reflective of his ability than his two-tackle total and half a sack. In late September, when rushing Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, he tore his quad tendon, requiring season-ending surgery.

Freeney expressed optimism in January about his recovery.

“Everything is looking great,” Freeney said. “It's all green lights pointing to great things next year. I'm ahead of schedule as far as rehab is concerned, so that's good. I'll be back. I still enjoy the game.”